The fund eventually raised just over £1m by the time it was closed a year after the 2011 tragedy.

After pit owners MNS Mining Ltd and mine manager Malcolm Fyfield were cleared of manslaughter charges related to the men’s death at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, WalesOnline has decided to publish a small number of the vast amount of letters sent to Neath MP Peter Hain’s office where the fund was initally administrated.

On November 19, 2010, a total of 29 people died in a methane explosion in the Pike River coal mine near Greymouth, New Zealand.

Bernard Monk, spokesman for the Pike River Families sent a donation on behalf of them saying in the covering letter: “To the Hill, Jenkins, Powell and Breslin Families.

“On behalf of the families of the Pike River mining disaster (November 19, 2010, Greymouth, New Zealand) we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to all of the families that were affected by this recent tragedy.

“No words will take away the pain that you will be feeling right now but to let you know that you have been in our hearts and we stand beside you during this trying time. You will remain in our prayers for the long journey to come.”

Pat Crossan, Social Convenor of the Fauldhouse Miners Welfare Society in West Lothian, Scotland, wrote: “Fauldhouse Miners’ Welfare held a fund raiser for the Swansea Valley Appeal Fund.

“Since the time we had arranged this another miner was killed, in Yorkshire. Mr (Gerry) Gibson was originally from a village three miles from Fauldhouse so we were wondering if the money we made could be split five ways, four for the Welsh miners and one for the Yorkshire miner.

“We raised a total of £1,250 so please see enclosed cheque.”

Patricia Bedale of Highgate, London, wrote to the Lord Mayor of Swansea who passed the letter on to Mr Hain’s office.

She wrote: “I would be grateful if you could put this cheque towards the fund for helping the relatives of the recent pit disaster in the Swansea Valley.

“I am a pensioner but I’d like to make a contribution.

“As a child I was sent to South Wales to escape Hitler’s bombs then raining down on London.

“My mother’s relatives were all in steel but there were coal miners all around especially in Blaenavon which took a number of evacuees from Haringay. I hope you will pardon my approaching you as I have not been able to find out who is organising the fund.”

Pam Wilson, of Ramsey Isle of Man, wrote: “Please accept the enclosed donation for the families of the miners so tragically taken from them. My heart goes out to them, they and the rescue workers who worked so hard to save them. May God bless and support them all.”

The Jennings family (Lesley, Kevin and Trevor) from Bognor Regis wrote: “On behalf of my family we would like to send our deepest, sincere condolences to the four loved ones who lost their lives in the tragedy that occurred in Wales in the mining industry.

“We are truly sorry for all the families for their loss. Our hearts go out to each and every one of them.

“Please accept our cheque. It is only a small donation but we hope it will help in a small way. We arer thinking about all of your families at this very sad time.

“We also hope everyone can help and will help you all, in all of your needs. I am sure they will.

“We have spent many a happy holiday in Wales. We love your people and your community which makes us feel at home.

“We hope you manage to raise a lot more money to help all of the families who have lost their loved ones and need all the love and support they can get and will get all the help and support from your community in Wales.”